Model-Based Fault Analysis and Diagnosis of PEM Fuel Cell Control System

This paper presents a systematic fault analysis and diagnosis method of a PEM fuel cell control system using a model-based approach. With a model-based approach, it is possible to analyze the causal relationship and effect of probable faults in the system, and to diagnose them under the assumption that the model and the process are similar. With a model-based approach, it is possible to analyze the causal relationship and effect of probable faults in the system and diagnose them under the assumption that the model and the process are similar. In this work, a model-based approach was adopted for fault analysis and diagnosis, and its methods are suggested. A PEM fuel cell is mathematically modelled, analyzed, and verified for the analysis and simulations. Relationships among variables are shown using an incidence matrix and with a Dulmage–Mendelsohn decomposition of the matrix. When it is difficult to detect faults due to a deficient degree of redundancy, a bi-partite graph is used to analyze the effect of faults and to assess the possibility of fault detection through the appropriate redundant sensor placement. Thereafter, residuals are obtained based on analytical redundancies of the system, and a fault signature matrix is subsequently constructed. A fault detection and isolation (FDI) algorithm is developed based on a fault signature matrix that describes the connection between faults and residuals. The simulation results demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed FDI algorithm for diagnosing faults. With the proposed FDI algorithm, eight faults could be diagnosed by FDI algorithm with given sensors in the system.